Japan February Tourism Numbers

Above, autumn colors adorn a shopping mall in Atami. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan's tourist numbers are in for February. There was a dip in the number of foreign tourists to Japan.

According to The Mainichi Daily News:

The number of foreign visitors to Japan in February totaled an estimated 548,200, down 19.3 percent from a year earlier, largely because the Lunar New Year holidays fell in January this year instead of February, the government's tourism promotion agency said Friday.

The Japan National Tourism Organization also attributed the drop in arrivals, down for the 12th straight month and at a much sharper rate than January's 4.1 percent, to travelers' concerns about radioactive contamination from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, as well as the strong yen.

Given the recent weakening of the Japanese currency, agency officials expressed hope for a recovery in March and beyond when the cherry blossom season begins.

Japan wasn't the only country to see a decline in foreign tourism, according to the article.

However, Japan's decline (with January and February's figures combined) wasn't as bad as the year earlier. It was roughly 11.5%.

To read the full article, go here.

“Japan. Thank You”

Japan's tourism industry had a rough year due to the Great East Japan Earthquake and resulting tsunami and radiation problems of the Fukushima nuclear power plant. But indications are that the industry is recovering.

According to eTravelBlackboard.com:

Marking the one year anniversary of the Japan Earthquake, Japan Tourism Agency and Japan National Tourism Org have launched a new campaign called “Japan. Thank You.”

The aim of the campaign is to express the people of Japan’s appreciation to people around the world who have given their support to the region since it was severely affected by the earthquake and its aftermath.

According to JTA the country's recovery has been more rapid than previously expected, with international tourist arrivals for January 2012 at about 700,000, representing only a 4.5 percent decrease compared to the same time last year.

Through the new design logo “Japan. Thank You”, Japan wishes to show their sincere gratitude to all the tourists from overseas for their continued support.

Some of the main activities include a special logo “Japan. Thank You.” and a special poster to be displayed in various parts of the world.

To read the full article, go here.

Japan's Foreign Tourist Numbers Down For 11th Straight Month

Above, a view of Kyoto from the shinkansen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Japan Times reported today that the number of foreign visitors to Japan was down for the 11th straight month since the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

They reported:

The number of foreign visitors to Japan in January fell 4.1 percent from a year earlier to 685,000, declining for the 11th straight month since the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, an estimate by the Japan National Tourism Organization showed Friday.

The rate of decline was the lowest and the number of foreign visitors the highest during the 11-month period, showing signs of a recovery, although the Fukushima nuclear crisis and the yen's historic appreciation continue to weigh.

Note that the tourist decline was also attributed to the high yen.

To read the full story, go here.

American Airlines and Japan National Tourism Organization Offer Tips for Making the Most of Travel to Japan

Above, the moon and Tokyo Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

American Airlines and the Japan National Tourism Organization have teamed up with special offers and tips on making the most of a vacation to Japan. The below press release was issued through the press release service I use for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. Kaiju fans wanting to go to Japan may want to consider these special offers.

American Also Promotes AAdvantage Deals and AAVacations Special Offers for Customers

FORT WORTH, Texas, Nov. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- American Airlines and fellow oneworld® alliance member Japan Airlines (JAL) currently offer convenient travel options to Japan from New York, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Beginning in spring 2012, service from Boston to Tokyo will also be available.

In addition, American Airlines is expanding the benefits of its agreement with JAL by offering customers opportunities to earn and redeem AAdvantage miles when flying on JAL from North America to Tokyo and beyond. (Details below).

To remind customers of how accessible Japan is and everything the country has to offer, American Airlines has teamed up with the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) to share travel tips and highlight deals for travelers visiting Japan this fall and winter.

Preparing for travel to Japan:

Customers can visit AA.com/Tokyo to find dining, shopping, events and attractions information – courtesy of Frommer's Unlimited – or explore the new "Travel Tips" tab on American's Facebook page at Facebook.com/AA. JNTO's website, www.japantravelinfo.com, also has useful information and recommendations.

On flights to Japan, American Airlines offers customers the option to request a traditional Japanese meal by calling 1-800-433-7300 24 hours in advance.

While in Japan

Food enthusiasts will be excited to know that, according to the 2012 Michelin Guide, Japan has been named the country with the most restaurants that have three Michelin stars.

Visitors who want to explore the region can take advantage of free local tours guided in English and other languages by JNTO-registered Systematized Goodwill Guides.

Travelers can also find a surprising urban oasis in the city center at the Imperial Palace East Garden; visit the Meiji-Jingu Shinto Shrine, which offers a serene, wooded environment; enjoy a view from Mt. Takao; or try one of Japan's onsens (hot springs).

From Feb. 6-12, the Sapporo Snow Festival attracts more than 2 million people every year, boasting hundreds of snow statues and ice sculptures (http://www.snowfes.com/english/index.html).

Travel Offers to Japan and Beyond

America and Japan can be redeemed for as few as 50,000 miles. American Airlines Vacations(SM) also has several flight and hotel package deals available to destinations such as Tokyo and Osaka. Current offers require customers to book by Nov. 20 and travel by Dec. 11, 2011. Visit AAVacations.com/deals/Asia-Japan for full details. Terms and conditionDuring the off-peak season between Oct. 1 and April 30, round-trip AAdvantage® MileSAAver® award tickets for travel in Economy Class on American Airlines between North s apply.

AAdvantage promotions for travel on JAL are as follows:

Earn double AAdvantage miles flying nonstop on JAL on purchased, published Business Class and selected Economy Class fares between Vancouver and Tokyo through Feb. 29, 2012. Register at AA.com/offers using bonus code JLYVR.

Book a round-trip Business Class award for a reduced rate of 50,000 AAdvantage miles and a round-trip Economy class award for 30,000 AAdvantage miles for nonstop travel on JAL between Vancouver and Tokyo Narita through Feb. 29, 2012.

Book a round-trip Business Class award for a reduced rate of 50,000 AAdvantage miles or a round-trip Economy class award for 30,000 AAdvantage miles for nonstop travel on JAL between San Francisco and Tokyo Haneda through Feb. 29, 2012.

Earn double AAdvantage miles flying nonstop JAL routes between Tokyo and select destinations in Asia on purchased, published Business Class and selected Economy Class fares through Feb. 29, 2012. Register at AA.com/offers using bonus code JLSEA.

For more information about these promotions, including the terms and conditions, please visit AA.com/offers.

"We hope many travelers visit Japan and discover a Japan they didn't know before," said Yuki Tanaka – Executive Director of the Japan National Tourism Organization in New York.

"Japan is a wonderful country to visit, with rich culture and friendly people," said Cathy Berg, American's Vice President Sales – Western Division. "Whether you've been saving your AAdvantage miles for a memorable experience or are looking for vacation packages with a free night at a hotel and discounts, now is a good time to visit Japan – and American can get you there conveniently."

About American Airlines

American Airlines, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® carrier serve 260 airports in more than 50 countries and territories with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning website, AA.com®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members and members-elect serve more than 900 destinations with more than 10,000 daily flights to 149 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, and AAdvantage are trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR).

About the AAdvantage® Program

The AAdvantage program was the first frequent flyer program, and was established in 1981. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the AAdvantage program, which now has more than 67 million members worldwide. Members can earn miles at more than 1,000 participating companies, which include 27 hotel chains representing more than 60 brands, more than 20 airlines, eight car-rental companies, 11 financial companies, and over 500 brand name retailers. In addition, members can earn miles when making purchases with one of more than 100 affinity card products in over 40 countries. In 2010, AAdvantage members redeemed more than 165 billion miles to claim just fewer than 7.2 million awards for flights, upgrades and car rentals. For more information and a listing of AAdvantage program participating companies, visit www.aa.com/aadvantage.

About the Japan National Tourism Organization

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) is an independent administrative corporation which, in cooperation with the government's Japan Tourism Agency, is dedicated to promoting and supporting inbound tourism to Japan.

The Japan National Tourism Organization maintains 13 offices around the world. Tasked with promoting Japan tourism in the United States and South America are the New York City and Los Angeles offices of JNTO. The offices of JNTO pride themselves on working closely with both international and domestic travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, vendors and other travel professionals to promote Japan as a top international travel destination.

JNTO, along with the support of the Japan Tourism Agency, assists all brands of media in the United States, Central and South America with informational support, resource gathering and media trip planning. As well, JNTO offices provide travel assistance in the form of brochures and email/phone help to anyone interesting in traveling to Japan. The Japan National Tourism Organization maintains various websites including: the JNTO American website www.japantravelinfo.com and the JNTO International website www.jnto.go.jp.

Current AMR Corp. news releases can be accessed at http://www.aa.com


SOURCE: American Airlines Press Release

Japan Travel: Get Your Reference Material First!

Before traveling anywhere, particularly to a foreign country, one should gather reference materials for aiding in vacation planning.


Over the past ten years, I've accumulated many reference books, travel guides, brochures, maps and pamphlets on Japan. These have been great sources of information on attractions, transportation, lodging and dining. Each time I go, I obtain updated material on places I've already been to (for return visits) as well as on new places to see and do. These also will tell the vacationer the dos and don't when visiting a foreign country. This will help in avoiding making any custom or etiquette faux pas.

These have also been helpful to me when I was putting together The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Above, the travel section of the Little Tokyo's Kinokuniya Bookstores.

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has been a great source for travel guides, maps, brochures and other materials on places to see. The best part about JNTO, they provide these at no charge!


Also, I have made good use of my hotel's brochure racks in gathering more reference material during past visits to Japan. I got the map at right at the hotel brochure rack.

I have also made good use of the travel sections of major (and not-so-major) bookstores for travel guides including Borders Books, Barnes and Noble and B. Dalton. I am lucky to live in Los Angeles where Japanese bookstores, such as Kinokuniya Bookstores, are available for Japan travel books.

One mustn't forget to tap into a local travel agent who can also provide reference materials on Japan.

Plus, if you are a member of the Auto Club (AAA), their travel service desk can provide more reference material!


Remember, before heading off to Japan or any other foreign country, do yourself a favor and get your reference material and do some research!

Message From JNTO's New President

Above, several Yokohama landmarks featured in "Godzilla vs. Mothra" (1992) covered in "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The new president of the Japan National Tourism Organization had a special message posted at Breaking Travel News.com.

It reads in part:

My name is Ryoichi Matsuyama, newly appointed as the president of JNTO on the 1st of October 2011. First of all, on behalf of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the support for Japan from all over the world after the 3.11 Earthquake this year.

Since March, strong efforts have been put into recovering from the damage caused by the earthquake. The number of visitors to Japan has been picking up over the past few months and those who have come have found Japan is safe and still a fabulous place to visit. I appreciate those who understand and support Japan.

Japan’s tourist attractions are open and functioning well, just as they were before the earthquake. During the last seven months, we have heard many comments from people who visited Japan saying Japan stands unchanged and full of incredible things to see and do. JNTO will work hard to spread those words to the world.

To read Mr. Matsuyama's full message, go here.

JNTO Announces New L.A. Executive Director

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) announced that their Los Angeles office has a new executive director.



According to Travelpulse.com:

The Los Angeles office of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) unveiled its newest executive director, Daisuke Tonai. He replaces former Executive Director Hidenao Takizawa, who has returned to Japan and continues to work at JNTO Headquarters in Tokyo.

To read the full article, go here.